As Kenya’s workforce continues to grow, the need for quality childcare has become increasingly urgent.
However, many families, especially those in informal settlements, face significant challenges in accessing reliable and affordable childcare services when they are in need.
The lack of regulation in the sector has led to the proliferation of privately-owned facilities that often fail to meet basic standards of health, safety, and nutrition.
“Quality child care should nurture healthy physical development of children by incorporating physical activity time and developmental screening practices, and using the most recent food safety guidelines in providing healthy meals,” says Sheila Chepkurui, Senior Program Coordinator at the Organization of African Youths Kenya.
However, she acknowledges that many families are unable to access such services due to high costs and fragmented and limited availability of quality childcare services such as daycare or night care options when they need one.
To address these challenges, the Organization of African Youths Kenya, launched a digital platform https://tunzabora.org/ —Swahili for “Nurture Well.” The platform introduced during the International Youth Day celebrations on August 12th aims to connect parents and guardians with quality childcare services, while also providing training and resources to enlisted caregivers.
As the world celebrates International Youth Day, with a focus on the power of young people to create positive change through digital solutions in line with this year’s theme ‘From Clicks to progress; Digital pathways for a sustainable future, initiatives like Tunza Bora stand out as vital innovations.
However, Chepkurui stresses the need for broader systemic change, “we need a stronger commitment from policymakers to invest in this critical sector.”
According to Organization of African Youths Kenya, constitution 2010 devolved the responsibility of quality Early Childhood Education and Childcare services to the 47 counties.
“Despite the devolution most counties are however yet to domesticate relevant Childcare policies for the delivery of quality services.”
“This platform seeks to link parents and guardians with quality childcare services and resources, offering learning opportunities and generally improving the ecosystem,” Chepkurui explains. “Through Tunza Bora, we aim to train caregivers in responsive parenting and caregiving, in line with the World Health Organization’s framework.”
Tunza Bora is grounded in the WHO’s Nurturing Care Framework, which emphasizes five key pillars: good health, adequate nutrition, opportunities for early learning, security and safety, and responsive caregiving. “This comprehensive framework aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target 4.2, which seeks to ensure that all boys and girls have access to quality early childhood development,” says Chepkurui.
“The enlisted service providers are also trained and mentored on safety of children, how to sign contracts with the parents and childcare centers, developmental milestones in children to help them spot early warning of special needs children.”
She explains that the platform is a crucial resource for parents and guardians seeking reliable childcare options. “Tunza Bora enhances access and quality of childcare services in Kenya, in line with relevant guidelines, for the best interest of the child,” Chepkurui emphasizes. “The main goal of the platform is to ensure that parents and guardians can easily find and connect with childcare facilities, such as daycares, night cares, and even homecare services.”
Since its launch, Tunza Bora has registered 300 caregivers, including those from both daycare and homecare services.
The enlisted caregivers have undergone extensive training through a research-based guide, ensuring that they are well-equipped to offer high-quality care. “The enlisted caregivers are not only providing excellent services but are also trustworthy and knowledgeable about the basics of child development and safety,” Chepkurui notes.
Thanks to the capacity-building efforts spearheaded by the Tunza Bora platform, the childcare landscape in Kenya is undergoing a transformation, tangible benefits have been so far recorded.
“We’ve seen a significant shift in how our enlisted caregivers manage and operate their childcare services,” says Chepkurui. “One of the key changes is that caregivers are now keeping detailed records, something that was not common before. This not only helps in better management but also builds trust with parents.”
In addition to improved record-keeping, caregivers have found new ways to generate income. “Many caregivers are now selling nutritious food to the children they care for, rather than relying solely on parents to provide meals,” Chepkurui explains. “This not only ensures that the children receive balanced and healthy diets but also provides the caregivers with an additional revenue stream.”
The capacity-building programs have also empowered caregivers to adopt more professional approaches to running their services. “Some caregivers have started holding Annual General Meetings (AGMs) with parents, which fosters transparency and strengthens the relationship between caregivers and the families they serve,” says Chepkurui. This practice has led to increased parental engagement and a stronger sense of community within the childcare facilities.
Moreover, caregivers are embracing digital tools to reach more families. “A number of caregivers have created Facebook accounts to market their services and enroll new parents,” Chepkurui notes. “This has opened up new opportunities for caregivers to expand their businesses and connect with a broader audience, something that was previously out of reach for many.”
These positive changes are a testament to the impact of the Tunza Bora platform and its commitment to improving the quality of childcare in Kenya. By equipping caregivers with the necessary skills and resources, the platform is not only enhancing the standard of care but also empowering caregivers to become more self-sufficient and professional in their approach.
Despite these efforts, the childcare sector in Kenya continues to face significant hurdles, particularly due to decades of underinvestment. “Policymakers have yet to commit adequate funds, and as a result, the supply of high-quality programs remains inadequate,” says Chepkurui.
“Providers can only charge what families can afford, which often translates into meager wages and limited benefits for early caregivers.”
This underinvestment has also led to staffing shortages across many facilities, further limiting the options available to parents. “Without adequate staffing, childcare programs cannot accommodate the number of children who need care,” Chepkurui warns, highlighting the precarious state of childcare in Kenya.
Tunza Bora represents a significant step forward in addressing the childcare crisis in Kenya, but much work remains to be done to ensure that all children have access to the care they need to thrive.
